In Vitro Propagation,Acclimatization and Identification of a Wild Species of Physalis with Alimentry Utility in Puebla, MÉxico

Plants of the genus Physalis are recognized for their nutritional and medicinal properties in Mexico, but only 24% of the 70 species are used. In Puebla, Mexico, a species of this genus that grows wildly, and which is not yet identified, produces fruits that are consumed by the local population. The objective of this research was to identify this new species, and to establish a method of propagation and cultivation, after proving its alimentary utility. A taxonomic study, and in vitro culture and hydroponics techniques were applied to identify, propagate and cultivate this species. In vitro germination was carried out with seeds of ripe fruits in MS medium at 50%. The germination percentage was 79% at 12 d of cultivation. Nodes from seedlings growing in vitro were used to induce multiple sprouting in MS medium supplemented with BAP (6-benzylamine purine) in concentrations of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg L-1 and a kin factor (Kinetin) with IBA (indole butyric acid) of 0.2-2.0 mg L-1. Hypocotyls and cotyledons were used to induce organogenesis with NAA (naphthalene acetic acid) and BAP (0.5-1.0 mg L-1) added to MS medium. With 1.5 mg L-1 of BAP and 0.5 mg L-1 of IBA 100% multiple sprouting was obtained, and shoots and roots with 1 mg L-1 of BAP and 1 mg L-1 of NAA. Root formation was induced by IAA (indole acetic acid), NAA and IBA of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg L-1. The best response in rooting was with 0.5 mg L-1 of IBA. The seedlings were acclimatized for 49 d; the percentage of survival was 100%. The taxonomic study identified this plant as Physalis aff rydbergii Fernald. Through micropropagation it is possible to propagate species of alimentary and medicinal interest in less time than with conventional methods.